Reflecting on the past readings and discussion of this course, I think what I find even more valuable than the type of resources out there and readily available to users, is the skills needed in order to communicate effectively. I think in library careers (as in a lot of other professions) personnel may have impeccable knowledge on a given subject, but maybe lack people skills or just are not great communicators. I think it is very important in any learning environment, that the educators be willing and able to convey clear, concise messages.
It is true that one of the major responsibilities of a library is to instruct the patrons in using library resources (such as online databases or how to search the Internet). However, even in this course, a majority of these teachings/lessons are online. This is of course great for, not only students, but in other forms of library instruction (ie webinars for library staff), and to the average library patron.
So, in thinking about library instruction, what's going on? Well, personally I have participated in library instruction as a student and patron, and in a work setting, outside of this class. As a student, I have used various online guides on how to use different catatlogs, online tutorials, and/or resources. My conclusion to these online tutorials; is that if they weren't well written or prepared in a user friendly fashion (aka communicated the messages directly), I would have been frustrated or confused as to how to use them.
The assignments in this class have definitely prepared me for the prospect of teaching others. Not only do I know the importance of learning and the steps it takes to clearly convey messages, but I have experience as a learner. I know the importance of communication both by being a student, and a user to database searches. I do feel I have learned how to use library resources better as a result of this class, as well as other library classes taken at LBCC. I can envision teaching library skills to patrons in my line of library business, because, I can absorb what forms of resources are available, apply their individual uses (by personal use) and take what I learn to a different and higher level by relaying those uses to others. It also is a one up for me that I am a people person and like to educate others.
1 comment:
yeah people who actually work at the library should be people-persons. they have to like books and talking to people. since i've generally been observing and not really working, I've tried not to interfere too much, and so it seems like I'm not a people-person. but most of the library patrons there are reading and minding their own business. what would it be like if everyone visiting the library thought they worked there and tried to take over the librarians jobs? chaos! haha. there must be library patrons there too, that's why the library opens 6 days a week (or so).
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